Our elementary school provides an academically challenging curriculum with the flexibility to meet the needs of younger students.
Small student-teacher ratios are crucial to our approach, which begins on each child’s level, provides appropriate learning challenges and recognizes the gifts that each child brings. Two full-time teachers in each class work to instill self-confidence in each student while also requiring that he or she recognizes the needs of others. There is a balance of freedom and discipline in the classroom. Conflict resolution, creative problem solving and mediation are central to the educational experience.
The youngest classes learn through a developmentally appropriate curriculum that explores math, reading and writing through manipulative materials and firsthand experiences. Science, social studies and geography are interwoven in exciting unit studies. Older elementary students pursue a cross-curricular program that integrates science, language arts, social studies and geography while they hone the reading, writing, spelling and math skills they use every day.
Physical education, art, music, library, innovation lab and Spanish are important additions to the week. Field trips are chosen for their ability to enrich classroom study units. Students also plan and participate in service learning units and projects that help them contribute to the needs of their expanded community and teach them the importance of responsible action.